The latest statistics released by NHBC have revealed that, between April and June this year, housebuilders registered the highest number of new homes for 12 years, with the rental market driving growth.
According to the figures, during the period (Q2 2019), 43,438 new homes were registered, up 12% on the same period in 2018. NHBC said this was the highest number of registrations since Q4 2007 when 43,525 new homes were registered. It added that growth in the private rented sector as well as continuing investment in the UK market were responsible for the lift.
Of the total for the rolling quarter, 29,993 registrations were for private sector homes, up 14% on Q2 2018. Affordable and rental sector registrations rose 7% to 13,445.
Eight out of 12 UK regions experienced growth during the period, with London continuing its upturn - registrations rose notably from 2,984 last year to 6,000. The North West was the second strongest region with registrations increasing 47% to 5,818. Yorkshire & Humberside witnessed the largest fall in registrations of 34% to 1,954.
Steve Wood, NHBC’s CEO, said: “It is great to see this sign of confidence in new build housing and that the positive start to the year has continued into the summer. The combination of the growing private rental sector and ongoing investment into the UK market is helping to boost new home registrations.”
